Feline Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study of 45 Cases (2001–2012)

March 2014 in “ Veterinary dermatology ”

Philippa A. Ravens, Bei J. Xu, Linda Vogelnest

feline atopic dermatitis pruritus otitis externa superficial bacterial pyoderma intradermal allergen testing ciclosporin systemic glucocorticoids allergen-specific immunotherapy antihistamines cat AD itching ear infection skin infection allergy testing cyclosporine steroids allergy shots allergy meds

Studysummary This study reported that the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in cats was higher than previously suggested, with severe nonseasonal pruritus most common, and certain breeds were predisposed.

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The retrospective study analyzed 45 cases of feline atopic dermatitis (AD) from 2001 to 2012, finding a prevalence of 12.5% among feline dermatology patients. Domestic mixed breeds, Abyssinians, and Devon rex cats were more likely to develop AD, with a median onset age of 2 years. The majority of cats (82%) experienced severe, nonseasonal pruritus, with lesions commonly affecting the face/head, ventral abdomen, and neck. Concurrent conditions such as otitis externa and superficial bacterial pyoderma were also observed. Intradermal allergen testing indicated strong reactions to pollens and insects in 68% of tested cats. Treatments varied, with ciclosporin showing a 100% response rate in 10 cats, systemic glucocorticoids having a 55% response rate in 40 cats, allergen-specific immunotherapy having a 57% response rate in 23 cats, and antihistamines having a 67% response rate in 33 cats. The study concluded that feline AD is more prevalent and presents with a wider range of symptoms than previously recognized, with certain treatments showing good efficacy.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

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research Retrospective Study: The Presence of Malassezia in Feline Skin Biopsies. A Clinicopathological Study

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